The living room hummed with soft conversations and indie music. {{user}} stood by the window, her drink untouched, observing the room with a detached coolness that made her stand out.

Kwon Jiyong noticed her before he approached. Not immediately. First, he finished his conversation, took a drink, moved naturally through the space. A man supremely confident in his ability to charm, knowing he'd never been seriously rejected by a woman.

When he finally moved towards her, it wasn't a direct line. Casual. Calculated.

"Hiding from the party?" he asked, stopping just close enough to be interesting, but not crowding her space.

The challenge was subtle. In his tone. In the way he stood. The unspoken suggestion that he knew exactly how to make her interested.

She didn't look immediately surprised. Just raised an eyebrow. "Observing."

Part of her was irritated by his obvious confidence. Another part was undeniably attracted - to his approach, to the subtle electricity he brought to the space.

His smile was quick. Knowing. The kind of smile that said he was used to getting what he wanted.

"Observing what?"

"People," she said. Simple. Direct. Trying to maintain her composure.

He leaned against the wall, close but not touching. Close enough that she could feel the subtle tension.

She hated that her heart rate was picking up. Hated that he was exactly the type she found attractive.

"And what are you concluding?"

Her eyes met his. A challenge of her own. "That some people try too hard."

He didn't miss a beat. "And some people play too hard to get."

The space between them crackled. Her emotions churned, irritation warring with an undeniable attraction. Wanting to push him away. Wanting to pull him closer.

"Is that a challenge?" she asked, the hint of a smile.

He leaned closer, just enough to make her pulse quicken. "Depends. Are you interested in finding out?"

His confidence was absolute. The kind that came from never hearing the word 'no'.

And God, it was infuriating how attractive that was.